While the Wikipedia entry on the "List of largest law firms by revenue" offers a concise overview, this piece delves deeper, analyzing the top 25 firms with detailed profiles, industry trends, and critical insights. From Kirkland & Ellis’s dominance to the rising influence of firms like Jones Day and White & Case, we’ll uncover what propels these organizations to the top and how they shape the global legal landscape.
The Evolution of Big Law: A Historical Context
The ascent of large, revenue-focused law firms mirrors the growth of global commerce. In the 19th century, legal practices were small, localized partnerships. The industrial boom, however, spurred demand for sophisticated legal services, laying the foundation for today’s giants.
The American Roots of Big Law
In the U.S., firms like Cravath, Swaine & Moore (founded 1819) pioneered modern law firm structures with the "Cravath System," emphasizing talent development and specialization. By the 20th century, firms aligned with burgeoning industries—railroads, steel, and finance—driving revenue growth. Post-World War II globalization and the 1980s M&A surge further elevated American firms, with rankings like AmLaw formalizing revenue as a success metric.The Global Expansion
European firms, notably UK’s Magic Circle, and later Asian players like China’s Yingke, joined the fray as financial hubs like London and Shanghai grew. The Swiss verein model—allowing global branding with regional autonomy—propelled firms like Dentons and DLA Piper to new heights. Today, the top revenue earners operate across dozens of countries, reflecting a truly interconnected legal market.
The AmLaw Global 200, a leading authority, ranks firms by gross revenue, self-reported and verified by researchers. Challenges include:
- Reporting Variability: Some firms opt out, skewing global comparisons.
- Fiscal Calendars: Differing year-ends complicate standardization.
- Verein Complexity: Firms like Dentons aggregate revenue across independent entities.
- Currency Fluctuations: Conversions to USD introduce variability.
The Top 25 Largest Law Firms by Revenue: A Detailed Breakdown
Here, we profile the top 25 firms, starting with the top 10 (previously covered) and extending to ranks 10 through 25. Revenue estimates reflect 2024 trends projected into early 2025.
1. Kirkland & Ellis LLP
- Revenue: ~$7.5 billion
- Headquarters: Chicago, USA
- Lawyer Count: ~3,000
- Key Practice Areas: Private equity, M&A, litigation
2. Latham & Watkins LLP
- Revenue: ~$6.8 billion
- Headquarters: Los Angeles, USA
- Lawyer Count: ~3,200
- Key Practice Areas: Corporate finance, M&A, energy
3. DLA Piper (Verein)
- Revenue: ~$4.5 billion
- Headquarters: London, UK / Chicago, USA
- Lawyer Count: ~4,000
- Key Practice Areas: Corporate, real estate, IP
4. Baker McKenzie (Verein)
- Revenue: ~$4.2 billion
- Headquarters: Chicago, USA
- Lawyer Count: ~4,700
- Key Practice Areas: Tax, M&A, arbitration
5. Dentons (Verein)
- Revenue: ~$4.0 billion
- Headquarters: Decentralized
- Lawyer Count: ~12,000
- Key Practice Areas: Litigation, real estate
6. Clifford Chance LLP
- Revenue: ~$3.8 billion
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Lawyer Count: ~3,300
- Key Practice Areas: Finance, M&A
7. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
- Revenue: ~$3.5 billion
- Headquarters: New York, USA
- Lawyer Count: ~1,700
- Key Practice Areas: M&A, litigation
8. Allen & Overy LLP (A&O Shearman)
- Revenue: ~$3.4 billion
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Lawyer Count: ~2,800
- Key Practice Areas: Banking, finance
9. Linklaters LLP
- Revenue: ~$3.2 billion
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Lawyer Count: ~2,900
- Key Practice Areas: Corporate, finance
10. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
- Revenue: ~$3.1 billion
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Lawyer Count: ~2,800
- Key Practice Areas: Antitrust, M&A
11. Sidley Austin LLP
- Revenue: ~$3.0 billion
- Headquarters: Chicago, USA
- Lawyer Count: ~2,100
- Key Practice Areas: Regulatory, corporate finance
12. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
- Revenue: ~$2.9 billion
- Headquarters: Philadelphia, USA
- Lawyer Count: ~2,000
- Key Practice Areas: Labor, energy
13. White & Case LLP
- Revenue: ~$2.8 billion
- Headquarters: New York, USA
- Lawyer Count: ~2,500
- Key Practice Areas: Debt finance, technology
14. Hogan Lovells (Verein)
- Revenue: ~$2.7 billion
- Headquarters: London, UK / Washington, D.C., USA
- Lawyer Count: ~2,500
- Key Practice Areas: Regulatory, IP
15. Jones Day
- Revenue: ~$2.6 billion
- Headquarters: Cleveland, USA
- Lawyer Count: ~2,500
- Key Practice Areas: Litigation, M&A
16. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
- Revenue: ~$2.5 billion
- Headquarters: Los Angeles, USA
- Lawyer Count: ~1,900
- Key Practice Areas: Litigation, appellate
17. Norton Rose Fulbright (Verein)
- Revenue: ~$2.4 billion
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Lawyer Count: ~3,700
- Key Practice Areas: Energy, infrastructure
18. Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
- Revenue: ~$2.3 billion
- Headquarters: New York, USA
- Lawyer Count: ~900
- Key Practice Areas: M&A, finance
19. Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
- Revenue: ~$2.2 billion
- Headquarters: New York, USA
- Lawyer Count: ~1,100
- Key Practice Areas: Restructuring, private equity
20. Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
- Revenue: ~$2.1 billion
- Headquarters: New York, USA
- Lawyer Count: ~1,000
- Key Practice Areas: Capital markets, M&A
21. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
- Revenue: ~$2.0 billion
- Headquarters: New York, USA
- Lawyer Count: ~1,000
- Key Practice Areas: Private equity, banking
22. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
- Revenue: ~$1.9 billion
- Headquarters: New York, USA
- Lawyer Count: ~1,000
- Key Practice Areas: Litigation, corporate
23. Ropes & Gray LLP
- Revenue: ~$1.8 billion
- Headquarters: Boston, USA
- Lawyer Count: ~1,500
- Key Practice Areas: Private equity, healthcare
24. Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
- Revenue: ~$1.7 billion
- Headquarters: New York, USA
- Lawyer Count: ~1,200
- Key Practice Areas: Antitrust, international law
25. King & Spalding LLP
- Revenue: ~$1.6 billion
- Headquarters: Atlanta, USA
- Lawyer Count: ~1,300
- Key Practice Areas: Energy, litigation
Beyond the Top 25: Notable Trends and Players
Firms like Greenberg Traurig ($1.5 billion) and WilmerHale ($1.4 billion) hover just outside the top 25, reflecting the depth of Big Law. Regional giants, such as China’s Dacheng or India’s AZB & Partners, also gain traction, though lower billing rates keep them off global revenue lists. The verein model’s proliferation continues to shape rankings, balancing scale with autonomy.
What Drives Revenue Success?
Key drivers include:
1. Practice Area Focus: High-value niches like M&A and private equity (Kirkland) versus broad portfolios (DLA Piper).
2. Global Presence: Multi-jurisdictional reach (Baker McKenzie) captures cross-border work.
3. Client Base: Long-term ties with Fortune 500 firms (Jones Day) ensure stability.
4. Billing Innovations: AFAs and premium rates (Latham) enhance revenue streams.
5. Talent Strategy: Star partner hires (Sidley Austin) bring lucrative clients.
See Related Articles:
- How to Choose the Right Law Firm and Geographic Area for Your Legal Career
- Understanding the Pros and Cons of Different Law Firm Types: Finding the Right Fit for Your Legal Career
- The Four Types of Attorneys Inside of Law Firms: Are You a Finder, Minder, Binder or Grinder?
Challenges Facing Revenue Giants
2. Tech Disruption: AI reduces billable hours, pressuring firms to innovate.
3. Economic Shifts: 2025’s geopolitical uncertainties may dampen deal flow.
4. Profit Margin Pressure: High headcounts (Dentons) can erode per-partner earnings.
The Future of Big Law: Trends to Watch
- ESG Growth: Firms like Freshfields lead in sustainability advisory.
- AI Adoption: Gibson Dunn’s tech investments hint at efficiency gains.
- Emerging Markets: Africa and Asia offer untapped revenue potential.
- Mergers: A&O Shearman’s success may spark further consolidation.
Critical Analysis: Is Revenue the Best Metric?
Revenue highlights scale but overlooks profitability (e.g., Wachtell’s PPEP dominance) and client satisfaction. Ethical concerns—overbilling, burnout—also loom large, suggesting a need for broader evaluation metrics.
Conclusion
The top 25 law firms by revenue are titans of legal and economic influence, from Kirkland & Ellis’s $7.5 billion peak to King & Spalding’s $1.6 billion foothold. Their stories reveal a blend of strategy, scale, and adaptation. As 2025 unfolds, their ability to navigate technology, competition, and global shifts will determine their enduring dominance in Big Law.
About Harrison Barnes
No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.
A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter
Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:
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This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.
Proven Success at All Levels
With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:
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He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.
Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search
Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.
The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys
Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.
- His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
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Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes
If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.
Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here
With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.
A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success
Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.
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A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives
Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.
He has worked with:
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For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.
Submit Your Resume Today - Start Your Career Transformation
If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.
Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.
Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.
About BCG Attorney Search
BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.
Harrison Barnes does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for attorneys and law students each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can attend anonymously and ask questions about your career, this article, or any other legal career-related topics. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
Harrison also does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for law firms, companies, and others who hire attorneys each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
You can browse a list of past webinars here: Webinar Replays
You can also listen to Harrison Barnes Podcasts here: Attorney Career Advice Podcasts
You can also read Harrison Barnes' articles and books here: Harrison's Perspectives
Harrison Barnes is the legal profession's mentor and may be the only person in your legal career who will tell you why you are not reaching your full potential and what you really need to do to grow as an attorney--regardless of how much it hurts. If you prefer truth to stagnation, growth to comfort, and actionable ideas instead of fluffy concepts, you and Harrison will get along just fine. If, however, you want to stay where you are, talk about your past successes, and feel comfortable, Harrison is not for you.
Truly great mentors are like parents, doctors, therapists, spiritual figures, and others because in order to help you they need to expose you to pain and expose your weaknesses. But suppose you act on the advice and pain created by a mentor. In that case, you will become better: a better attorney, better employees, a better boss, know where you are going, and appreciate where you have been--you will hopefully also become a happier and better person. As you learn from Harrison, he hopes he will become your mentor.
To read more career and life advice articles visit Harrison's personal blog.
